The 2017 Chateau Haut-Batailley checks in as 66% Cabernet Sauvignon and 34% Merlot, aged in 60% new barrels. This smoking wine has loads of blackcurrant, black cherry, unsmoked tobacco, new leather, and spice-driven aromas, with just a hint of chocolatey oak. Rich, medium to full-bodied, and balanced, with beautiful elegance, it shows the classic style of the vintage and will evolve for 20-25 years.

Lovely perfumes and currants with graphite and light herbs. Medium to full body. Creamy tannins. Soft and elegant and creamy at the end. Finesse. A blend of 66% cabernet sauvignon and 34% merlot.

The 2017 Haut-Batailley was cropped at 50hl/ha according to Jean-Charles Cazes since they escaped frost damage. It is the first vintage that the Cazes family have full responsibility for (incidentally, the 2016 remains unsold at time of writing). Matured for 18 months in 60% new oak, it has developed nicely since I last tasted it: blackberry, bilberry, graphite and mint aromas stride out of the glass, veins of blue fruit emerging after a couple of minutes of aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, quite cohesive and dense with good grip towards the finish. There is suppleness here, but there is backbone too. Good potential. www.vinous.com

The 2017 Haut-Batailley is a hugely promising wine. Sumptuous and expressive in the glass, with gorgeous layers of fruit that unfold effortlessly, the 2017 has quite a bit to offer. Silky tannins add an air of sensuality to a core of dark fruit, lavender, leather and spice notes. Tasted next to the bottled 2016, the 2017 speaks with an effortless refinement. The oak is especially well judged for a young wine. The Cazes family is putting a serious amount of investment behind their newest acquisition. Among other things, an ambitious replanting program is underway. Jean-Charles Cazes told me yields were generous in 2017, which is quite unusual for the year. - vinous.com, May 2018

Recently acquired by the Cazes family of Lynch Bages fame, this great claret always punches well above its weight. Deep, richly fruited, with an exotic, musky charcter. Cassis and blackcurrant underpinned by a cool limestone character. Great energy and juiciness, real texture and character. Sweet, pure fruit which really outperforms at this level. - April 2018

This has good currant and damson fruit lined with tobacco and iron notes. Offers slightly dusty tannins but remains fresh and focused overall. - James Molesworth, winespectator.com, April 2018

Haut Batailley was just purchased in 2017 by Famille JM Cazes (owners of Château Lynch Bages). A barrel sample blended of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon and 34% Merlot, the deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Haut Batailley features classic cassis and cigar box notes with nuances of kirsch, pencil shavings, bay leaves and dusty soil. Medium-bodied, the palate has firm, ripe, grainy tannins and great freshness lifting the delicate red and black fruit flavors through an earthy finish.

Spicy, moreish Cabernet fruit, the tannins firm but already smooth. Dark and spicy on the nose, relatively closed at the moment but the sample is cool. Really fine texture, so elegant. Beautifully fresh and juicy, sustained too and dark-fruited on the finish. Fine balance and fruit intensity. - Julia Harding, jancisrobinson.com, April 2018